ELLIOTDALE activist, Onke Sitwayi, has completed his 27-day 600km walk from Mossel Bay to Dutywa to raise funds for the construction of an EcoLab for village high schools.
The EcoLab will serve as a dedicated environmental education and science facility, aimed at improving access to practical learning resources for learners in under-resourced communities. Sitwayi was grateful for the warm welcome he received upon his arrival. He said that his fundraising campaign aimed not only to build an EcoLab but also to establish computer laboratories in rural schools.
“My mission is to bridge the gap in education by bringing digital and scientific learning tools to rural learners. This walk was just the beginning. I believe in the power of community and collaboration to bring about real change,” Sitwayi said. Sitwayi said the initiative had caused confusion within the family, but now they share his vision.
Mbhashe Local Municipality Executive Mayor Samkelo Janda commended Sitwayi’s courage and determination, saying that his actions serve as an example of active citizenship and community empowerment.
“In the name of Mbhashe Local Municipality, we are very appreciative of your dream to change the situation in rural areas. It is truly encouraging to see people like you taking action to improve their communities. You are showing us that government alone cannot do everything without the help of its people,”Janda said.
Onke’s mother, Nokonwaba, thanked God for her son’s safe completion of the walk. She said it had been difficult wondering how far Onke had walked, and at times, where he was.
Sitwayi is currently looking for sponsors and partners to help make his vision a reality.
